It’s testicular cancer awareness month!

It’s possible that MMA fighters spend more time with their hands down their shorts than any other athletes on the planet.

Aside from adjusting your junk, or fixing your groin protection gear (which, btw, you’ll have to do a lot less of if you invest in the good stuff, like Diamond MMA) is there any other reason to palm your parts?

Yes, according to Brian Steixner, M.D., Medical Director, Institute for Men’s Health, Jersey Urology Group. Especially this month, because April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.

It’s pretty obvious that nobody knows your privates like you do– and physical changes that go unnoticed could be a big problem. Testicular cancer, while rare– about 8,720 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed this year according the American Cancer Society- is still the number one cancer found in men between the ages of 18 and 35.

But when you’re 18 to 35 you’re not thinking about cancer, you’re thinking about chugging a 12 pack of Coors Light. Steixner quips.

(Unless, of course, you’re at training camp.)

Steixner isn’t advocating for a full on self-exam in the locker room, but he does think that taking a look (and getting good feel for things) in the shower is a great idea.

Here’s his breakdown of what’s a concern.

In terms of testicles there are two major issues, cancer and torsion. The boys are basically hanging there like yo-yos…connected by a bunch of nerves and muscles. Steixner says.

Because of this a testicle can twist on itself, which means the blood supply is cut off. That’s no bueno. (This can also happen during combat sports- a groin injury that leads to torsion. Again, don’t skimp on your groin protection gear!)

Cancer awareness means keeping an eye on the ball(s.) If one testicle is growing rapidly, changing size or shape or getting harder—and the other is not- that’s a sign of a potentially serious problem.

But, Steixner warns, an average guy can’t tell (if it’s cancer) so see a doctor!

(Also, it’s totally normal to have one testicle hang lower than the other, so don’t worry about that unless it’s a new development. By the time men are about 18 all their equipment is about the size it’s going to be.)

Then, there’s the other main groin area, the penis. Steixner says men actually have a two-for-one deal here, the pee penis and the sex penis.

To figure out if there’s a penis problem, like a urinary tract infection or an STD, pay attention to pain. It’s a concern when it starts to burn. Steixner says.

Sexually transmitted diseases and UTIs are both treatable with antibiotics but they’re not something to wait out. Burning, blood, discharge—any or all of those symptoms require a visit to a doctor.

So does a change to stream. If, when you go, your flow is no-go, or weak, or split, you might have a urethral narrowing or stricture. That can be from a number of causes, including an STD, a kick to the groin, a bike accident or having been on a catheter.

Then there’s the sex part. The two big clues that there’s something wrong? Erectile dysfunction and actual injuries.

Yes, there’s such a thing as a penis fracture.

If your penis looks like an eggplant (from bruising) there can be permanent E.D. (erectile dysfunction) if untreated. Steixner warns.

So, say all’s basically okay down there. No pain, no swelling, no bumps, bruises, irritation or irregularities.

What’s the final word on taking care of what’s in your shorts?

Hygiene. The scrotum and genital area is a complex environment because of hair, and it’s prone to perspiration.

Fungus and bacteria can reproduce rapidly in moist areas. Hygiene is key…and dry it out! Steixner says.

Bottom line? Don’t ignore your boys. Keep an eye on them. Treat ‘em right and, if there’s ever a change, pain, or other weirdness, get yourself to the doctor.